Open Heavens October 12, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Psa 73-75

RECEPTION FOR BACKSLIDERS

MEMORIZE: "Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish" (Matthew 18:14)

READ: Matthew 18:11-14

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). The prodigal son having told himself the truth about his situation, decided that since he had messed up, he would return to his father with a proposal - to be accepted as one of his servants. He came to that resolve because he expected the worst. But while still a long way from home, his father sighted him, ran towards him and gave him a red-carpet reception. For his father to see him from that distance suggests that he had been looking out for the return of his son since his departure. Everyday, he would look as far as his eyes could see, and scrutinize everyone he met to see if it was his son. One lesson here is that like the father of the prodigal son never rested until he found his son, so does God always look out for backsliders. He is calling, begging, and wanting you to return.

He is on the look out for nobody else but you. He wants you to return to His Kingdom. He loves you so much. Have you backslidden? Have you even stopped fellowshipping with the brethren? The Lord wants you back. He is very eager. If only you can take a step of repentance and reconciliation towards Him, He will fully return to you. The other lesson in this story is that while the prodigal son was apprehensive over his father’s attitude towards his return, he got a shocker. Instead of rejection, demotion and denial, he got compassion, forgiveness and restoration.

Have you wandered far from God? Come back to Him today. A positive shocker awaits you. The lost son was given a kingly reception and his return was celebrated. Do you know as you return to the Lord today, you will be given a kingly reception? Heaven will be agog because of your return. Jesus and the angels will celebrate your return. And like the prodigal son, you will be washed and decorated. The Lord is calling you back into His Kingdom today. Do not turn down His call. Every believer however, should work hand in hand with the Lord in bringing back backsliders. Look around for those who have fallen out of grace and lead them to the Lord. Look for the discouraged in your church and encourage them. You should care enough to know the state of your neighbor. As you reconcile the backslidden with the Father and strengthen the hands of the weak, the Lord will cause your joy to be full.

ACTIONPOINT: Look out for five backsliders or weak believers. Visit, encourage, exhort, and pray for them. Also take care of them if necessary.